8 duels won, most tackles of any player: Amorim had one unsung hero put in a stellar shift tonight | OneFootball

One relatively out-of-favour Red excelled on his return to Spain tonight.

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League clash, meaning the sides will enter next week’s tie at Old Trafford with it all to play for.

It’s now a case of Europa success or bust for Ruben Amorim as he navigates his maiden term in charge of the Red Devils, and while they showed glimpses tonight of the threat they can create, performances will need to vastly improve if they want to be crowned champions of the competition in Bilbao this summer.

In the build-up to the fixture at Reale Arena, Amorim confirmed injury setbacks to key starters Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte, the latter of which resulted in Casemiro being restored to the starting XI for just the seventh time since the new head coach took the reins.

Why Casemiro impressed in Sociedad stalemate

Casemiro was awarded a rare start in Manuel Ugarte’s absence. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)

Casemiro has fallen considerably in the pecking order over the last year. Yet, credit where credit’s due: he has put in a stalwart shift on numerous occasions when called upon – even despite his flagrant decline.

The ex-Real Madrid man was able to flourish when in such familiar surroundings of a country he dedicated nine years of his career to; as per StatmanDave, Casemiro recorded an 83 per cent tackle win rate by making five tackles – the most of any player.

He also won eight duels in his 90 minutes on the San Sebastian turf and made two clearances, two blocks and two interceptions.

It remains to be seen whether he’ll retain his place for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday.

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